678 Veterinary Obstetrics 



unknown. Usually they present no evidences of being of patho- 

 logic origin, but seem merely a deviation from the normal type 

 of development. They occur chiefly upon the median line of 

 the anterior pubic border, within the area of insertion of the 

 prepubian tendon, and may be directed more or less forward and 

 upward. At other times they are located, as in Fig. 113B, 

 just posterior to the pubic brim along the symphysis, and project 

 upwards into the pelvic cavity as a sharp cone. They more 

 rarely occur along the ischial symphysis and elsewhere. 



It is not impossible that they result from some disturbance of 

 the nutrition of the general osseous system, and originate in a 

 way corresponding to spavin and similar exostoses in other parts 

 of the body. 



Whatever their cause, they constitute serious pelvic ob- 

 structions when the time for parturition arrives. They differ, how- 

 ever, in their significance, from the preceding classes. Though 

 they offer some mechanical impediment to the passage of the 

 fetus, unless the projection is very large the fetus ma}' pass 

 over. The chief danger is to the utero-vaginal walls, which, be- 

 coming impinged between the conical projection and the fetal 

 body, become contused, lacerated or perforated, to end finally 

 in septic peritonitis. 



Handling. In the handling of this group of cases, three dis- 

 tinct possibilities offer to the obstetrist. 



I. Prophylaxis. 

 Should the veterinarian be consulted regarding pelvic in- 

 juries to a female which might be used for breeding purposes, 

 he should always consider whether the animal may later be 

 safely bred or not. If the pelvis has been fractured, if there 

 has been a coxo-femoral dislocation or disease, the possibility of 

 changes in the dimensions of the pelvic canal should be con- 

 sidered, the parts carefully examined, and, if necessary, the 

 owner warned. Should the veterinarian be asked to examine 

 the pelvis of a female with reference to her capability as a 

 breeder, the various impediments should be carefully estimated 

 and a judicious answer given. 



2. Artificial Abortion. 

 Pelvic deformities of a character to induce dystokia may 

 occur or become known during pregnancy, at a time when the 



